We all have a different definition of what it means to be fit. Some of us strive to be a size 2, others want nothing more than to be strong and have defined muscle mass. Some want to be able to run for prolonged periods of time without tiring, and others just want to look “fit,” regardless of how fit we actually are, physically.

Below is our very own Teri LaFaye’s interpretation of the term. We’d love to know your personal definition of “fitness,” so please post your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.

Here I am at the ending of another year.

I am only 7 months away from my 50th birthday and the beginning of my fifth year of my five year fitness plan. Wow! Time has flown! Recounting my past four years, I have learned so much and in my training I have noticed a lot of gains.

When I say ‘gains,’ what I mean is the knowledge I have gained in this fitness journey. I have learned that I do not have to be a size 2 or a size 4 to be fit. What the scale says is really not that important either. Even the tape measurements do not necessarily mean I am losing momentum if the numbers are higher.

I have literally changed my way of seeing myself and how I see myself is FIT.

My muscle tone has increased. I have a nice round butt that does not sag to my knees, and not as flat as a flitter! My back is awesome! My waist is as small as it was 23 years ago when I married my husband. My shoulders are nice, and my arms don’t slap me in the chin when I wave at someone on the street. These all seem like little things, but to me, they are big gains.

This is not written with conceit; pride is not all bad. I am proud of myself, because it wasn’t that long ago when no one believed I could do this, but I believed.

I am in the best shape of my life. All the changes I made in the beginning of my transformation have led me to this point. Furthermore, I am so happy with the changes. I am proud of my journey, and by no means am I throwing my plans out the door when I turn 50 in July. On the contrary, I am going to begin my 5th year with a new plan, a new zeal, and a new me — because I am so worth it!

This is my life, my journey, and the best is yet to come!

Join me this year, making this the best year yet! Take advantage of every minute you are given! Plan your work; then, work your plan! Do it for the love for yourself! Reach to risk! Risk to reach!

You will be and are the WINNER!

I am,
Teri LaFaye
December 26, 2009

How do YOU define “Fitness”?